Dairy Association of China (DAC) has released an open letter, calling on its member enterprises to keep timely raw milk purchase to support the industry development after the tainted milk scandal.

"Milk producers should keep buying milk from farmers and strictly follow the purchase contract. Timely milk collection, on the bases of quality guarantee, serves the interests of the farmers," according to the letter released on the DAC's website.

A clampdown on tainted milk has swept the nation as dozens of Chinese milk producers, including many industry heavyweights, were found containing melamine that caused more than 6,200 children nationwide to have kidney stones.

The scandal has forced many companies to halt production, and start close-door self-reflection on quality control. That leaves dairy farmers to spill the milk simply because there are no buyers.

In the letter, the association said it took so many years to establish the milk producing bases, which was not an easy job. Enterprises, which were not affected by the scandal, should enforce their social responsibilities, protect the enthusiasm of farmers and help promote the healthy development of the industry.

DAC also urged milk processors to beef up quality control and enhance output on the premise of safety, to ensure supply and safeguard the interests of consumers.

"No price fluctuation is allowed, and the prices should be decided by the product quality," according to the letter.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2008)